Justice Hema Committee Reveals Shocking Details of Sexual Exploitation in Malayalam Film Industry

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], August 19: The Justice Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry reveals shocking details of the sexual exploitation of women working in it. The report, released by the state government, says that in many cases, women have to give sexual favours to get opportunities in the industry.

The committee, chaired by Justice Hema (Former High Court Judge) and including T Sharada (cine artist) and KB Valsala Kumari (former bureaucrat), studied the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The government published the report after redacting 63 pages from the original 295-page document.

The report stated that the actress assault case in 2017 is not the only such incident in the industry but only that it was reported. The sexual assault on a Malayalam actress in a moving vehicle prompted the formation of the committee. Malayalam actor Dileep was accused in the case and is facing prosecution.

The report begins with a cautionary note: ‘Do not trust what you see, even salt looks like sugar!’ It reveals that women in the industry are often told they have to make ‘adjustments’ and ‘compromises’ to get roles, which means being available for sex on demand.

Women in cinema often bring family members for safety, as they don’t feel safe alone in accommodations arranged for them. The report describes incidents where men, often intoxicated, would bang on their doors, trying to force entry.

One incident highlighted in the report involved an actress who had to act as the wife of a man who had previously assaulted her. The emotional toll was evident, requiring 17 retakes for one shot. The director criticized her for the situation.

Many artists, both men and women, reported being publicly threatened and defamed on social media. They faced vulgar comments, trolling, and even threats of rape.

The report also reveals that a power group of about ten to fifteen individuals, all male, controls the Malayalam film industry. These individuals, who are actors, producers, distributors, exhibitors, or directors, have gained enormous fame and wealth and can ban others from the industry based on personal prejudice.

The Hema Committee was formed in response to the 2017 sexual assault case and submitted its report to the Chief Minister on December 31, 2019.